So if you were watching the Giro d Italia today you would have seen quite a few crashes. Traditional wisdom has it that the riders are nervous on day 1 of a Grand Tour and it causes a higher amount of crashes. Even the slightest bit of twitchiness (when riding so close and so fast) and one or more riders hit the deck. And then, regardless of whether you are a long time cycling fan or not, you watch in awe or shock when the rider gets up off the road and with ripped shorts, road rash and other ailments they start pedaling. And onward they go. It is crazy, impressive and just part of the sport. There are very few sports that require this kind of commitment to continue. And with each passing day the race gets harder, steeper climbs, faster sprints, more falls, tough weather – it is all part of the life of a top pro cyclist.

And what better metaphor for THPL. There are less than 200 riders who have the privilege to ride in the Giro or any other Grand Tour. And if you want to be one of these select riders, you can imagine that this kind of sacrifice, challenge and difficulty is the “table-stakes” to play in the game (or ride in the race as is the case here). Who is willing to make this kind of commitment? For the most part they are select individuals who have actively taken a path and with it a set of sacrifices and risks that are the “price of admission” . In your quest to live THPL, are you ready to make this kind of commitment? First to the training and the work. Second to the need to get used to the level of fear and apprehension that comes with very high levels of performance. And third the willingness to put it all on the line at game time. No time to worry or think – it is just time to do and to react to the changing circumstances.

Each of us can write our own scenario that parallels the cycling life. It could be getting ready for a big presentation, creating a business plan, leading a team through a tough time or working to transform a team while the current business is operating. Regardless of the event, the same questions need to be asked. When the tough stuff starts to happen, when the heat gets higher and the questioning comes to the forefront, when you are criticized for decisions made…..what do you do?

If you are knocked down do you get back up? Do you defend your position and press forward in spite of a few bruised egos? I dare say that if you want to be on the journey towards THPL you have to pull up the boot straps, dust yourself off and get back at it – describing (pedaling) why it has to be and why you will indeed make it to the end of the stage and ultimately finish the race.